Last three games and we're staring relegation in the face. The league had been putting out updated guides via its social media (Polite note to the league - it would be nice if you could also use your shiny website for this, and yes I realise how old that makes me sound) had three teams from 3NW taking the plunge. The advantage, at least on paper, is it was in our hands as every team we were set to play going forward was sat below us in the table. "Can't get complacent" I thought, but all should be well and good in the end.

Monday started with the club having good availability, and talk that I might even have some players coming down which buoyed my spirits too, and I quickly submitted the paperwork to the league managers. By Wednesday the league had said we could play with my speculative requests. By Thursday, I'm raiding the M4s for some defenders. Big thank you to Jimbo and Max for coming along and putting a shift in - Max even winning himself MoM for a calm and measured performance. Also, thanks again to James M the M4s captain who has been very reasonable when I come calling. Foreshadowing is a literary device where...

Unfortunately if you fast forward 70 minutes of hockey, you'll never have seen a milder goal celebration. We grabbed what was a consolation goal through and through. One we knew would only ever be that way, as after winning the short that the goal came from the umpires signalled that it was the final play. So when Josh R found the goal and we trundled off to grab what turned out to be muddy showers. 

The Ely team were deserving winners, as they got a goal early with a well sprung counter attack that utilised their speedy wingers to get in behind us, and then willing the ball over the line in absolute scrap mid-way through the second left us with a hill we failed to climb.

Things perked up slightly as the teas at Ely HC were delicious, with some even getting seconds. Add to that the rugby was on the TV, and France losing at least made Douglas a happy Scotsman.

The evening then saw the annual South Quiz, which was good fun until a disappointed coach found me... Sorry Sam.

Continued in: Rollercoaster Last Three Games of a Men's Third Team Captain: Chapter 2: The Motivational Speech